Quality and Continuous Improvement Lead

DISTRICT PHOTO INC; Louisville (KY); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

District Photo Inc. in Louisville, KY seeks a Quality and Continuous Improvement Lead to own site-level QMS execution and the CI portfolio, coordinating training governance with Operations.

The role partners with Operations to drive audits, CAPA, data reporting, and cross-functional improvement projects, mentoring site Auditors and Training Coordinators, and sustaining a culture of quality.

This position requires 5+ years in quality/CI and a Lean/Six Sigma background.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Quality, Industrial/Manufacturing, or related field.
• 5+ years in quality/CI with demonstrated leadership at the site level.
• Working knowledge of QMS, Lean, and basic Six Sigma tools (8D, PFMEA, SPC).
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams)

Responsibilities

• Own site-level execution of the QMS and ensure adherence to SOPs and standards.
• Maintain audit readiness; ensure effective containment and CAPA workflows.
• Review and validate quality metrics and reporting (daily/weekly/monthly).
• Coach and oversee site Auditors and QCI & Training Coordinators.
• Own the site CI roadmap and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Lead or co-lead RCA (5 Whys, Fishbone), 8D, and PFMEA activities.
• Run Kaizen/events, track actions, verify benefits, and standardize wins.
• Partner with the Central QCI Project Engineer on cross-site initiatives.
• Approve training content and ensure training is triggered by quality events.
• Validate training completion prior to process release; ensure proper qualifications.
• Ensure Lead Operators/Trainers follow approved methods and current SOPs.
• Coordinate with LQSA and QS & Training Associate on skills matrix alignment.
• Provide daily direction to QCI & Training Coordinators and Auditors.
• Communicate performance and risks with Operations, Engineering, and leadership.
• Champion a culture of quality ownership and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Data analysis

Problem solving

Microsoft 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Quality/Industrial/Manufacturing

Tools

QMS

Lean

Six Sigma tools (8D, PFMEA, SPC)

Job description

Description

At District Photo, our employees are the heart of our company. We are seeking a Quality and Continuous Improvement Lead in our Louisville, KY manufacturing plant.

Job Overview

The Quality and Continuous Improvement Lead owns site-level Quality Management System (QMS) execution, the continuous improvement (CI) portfolio, and training governance for the assigned site. This role integrates process governance, audit oversight, corrective actions, and quality-driven training coordination in partnership with Operations.

Benefits

401K, paid vacation, paid holidays, sick and safe leave, life insurance, medical, dental, vision, and short/long term disability benefits.

Culture

At DPI, our success is powered by our people and its client’s satisfaction ratings. Our culture allows employees to be engaged, empowered, and rewarded. We are a diverse and inclusive company who seeks to expand our brand by hiring collaborative individuals who think outside of the box. We are committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace for all of our employees and visitors. Check us out, https://vimeo.com/761869694/1b7b9d7dbf

Requirements

• Own site-level execution of the QMS and ensure adherence to SOPs and standards.
• Maintain audit readiness; ensure effective containment and CAPA workflows.
• Review and validate quality metrics and reporting (daily/weekly/monthly).
• Coach and oversee site Auditors and QCI & Training Coordinators.
• Own the site CI roadmap and prioritize improvement opportunities.
• Lead or co-lead RCA (5 Whys, Fishbone), 8D, and PFMEA activities.
• Run Kaizen/events, track actions, verify benefits, and standardize wins.
• Partner with the Central QCI Project Engineer on cross-site initiatives.
• Approve training content and ensure training is triggered by quality events.
• Validate training completion prior to process release; ensure proper qualifications.
• Ensure Lead Operators/Trainers follow approved methods and current SOPs.
• Coordinate with LQSA and QS & Training Associate on skills matrix alignment.
• Provide daily direction to QCI & Training Coordinators and Auditors.
• Communicate performance and risks with Operations, Engineering, and leadership.
• Champion a culture of quality ownership and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Quality, Industrial/Manufacturing, or related field.
• 5+ years in quality/CI with demonstrated leadership at the site level.
• Working knowledge of QMS, Lean, and basic Six Sigma tools (8D, PFMEA, SPC).
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Six Sigma Green Belt or higher; formal Lean certification.
• Experience in print, POD, or related high-volume manufacturing.
• Experience leading cross-functional Kaizen or CI programs.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and production floor environments; significant walking/standing at times.
• May lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally; standard PPE as required.
• Schedule may flex to support multiple shifts or events

District Photo Inc.

Founded in 1949 by Melvin Cohen as a small black & white photo lab, the business grew during the last half of the 20th century into a large wholesale photofinishing lab serving mid-Atlantic retailers and a national mail order film business. In the late 1990's under Neil Cohen’s leadership, DPI acquired a photo business in the UK and has transitioned from a mid-Atlantic film developing lab to multiple state-of-the-art digital labs shipping millions of photos worldwide every day.

Today, District is one of the largest variable data printing companies in the world as their facilities comprise over a million square feet of manufacturing space with a global reach that sets them apart in the digital printing market. With 7 production fulfillment facilities located in the United States (MD, PA, KY, AZ), England, the Czech Republic & Australia, District Photo is the leader in creating photo-based products as they deliver millions of prints, greeting cards, books, calendars, blankets, mugs, and other gift items yearly.

Dept# 6620